This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Greenwood, John Eric (‘Jenny’) played for England Internationals: 13 : 1912 F+ ; 1913 SA- W+ (1c) F+ (1c) I+ (1p) S+ ; 1914 W+ S+ F+ (6c) ; 1920 W- F+ (1c 1p) I+ (1c) S+ (2c) John Greenwood was born on 23 July 1891 Played as a Forward for: Dulwich College, Old Alleynians, Cambridge University (Blue 1910-1913), Leicester, Harlequins, Barbarians, Surrey Profession: Chartered accountant/company director of the Boots’ Pure Drug Company. War service: Private and later Sergeant, 1/28th (County of London) Battalion (Artists’ Rifles) London Regiment, 47th (2nd London) Division – then to the Officer Training Corps. Captain, East Surrey Regiment and later Lieutenant and Captain, Grenadier Guards. Wounded and Mentioned in Despatches. Remarks: At Dulwich College John Greenwood (and Cyril Lowe) was coached by William Leake, who played three international matches for England as a scrum-half in 1891.Captained Cambridge University 1912 and 1919. Played for Cambridge University (0-24) v the 1912-1913 Springboks. Played for Barbarians: v Leicester (6-13) in 1911; v Royal Army Service Corps (10-3) in 1915. His six conversions v France in 1914 equalled the record set by Len Stokes in 1881. He intended to retire from serious Rugby after 1919 University match, but was dissuaded by Major Stanley, and went on to captain England in 1920. Shared record (with G W Parker) of most conversions in an international. Represented Cambridge University on the RFU 1919-1937. International Board member 1937. President RFU 1935-1937, Trustee 1948. JP for Nottingham 1947-1953. He died on July 1975
He wrote a book Gareth ! .... that would be an interesting addition to your library ! GREENWOOD, John Eric John Greenwood (1891-1975) was known as the Grand Old Man of English Rugby Football. He was the leading figure in the golden age of rugger at Cambridge University and led England to Triple Crown glory in 1920. He played cricket for Free Foresters and was a leading light in the early days of the Boots Drug Company. http://www.sportspages.com/rugby_un...s/cap_for_boots_an_autobiography_18242?search March 21, 1914 The England XV for the match against Scotland in 1914. Alfred Maynard, Arthur Dingle, Bungy Watson, Cyril Lowe, Sidney Smart, G Ward, Joseph Brunton, JE Greenwood. Front: William Johnston, Cherry Pillman, HC Harrison, Ronald Poulton-Palmer, Bruno Brown, Francis Oakeley, WJA 'Dave' Davies, March 21, 1914
Annie Thanks for the photo. It's terrible to think about what lay ahead of those players in five months' time. Gareth
